Irish Ovals

Although sometimes on round flans these ovals can readily be identified by the fact that the legends start at 7.00 o’clock. The sceptre handles are longer and closer together. This type uses re-cut James dies – CARO over IACO. Privy mark cross patée both sides. Before legend on the obverse (sometimes almost covered up by […]

Legends begin at 7.00 o’clock. A complicated group….. CARO over IACO. Five jewels on obverse crown as before, but reverse has nine (except for one with 7) Die axis now unrotated. BRIT, BRI and BR occur. One version has 7 strings – others having 6. Some harps are hook-fronted. Privy mark is always cross patée […]

Legends start at 7.00 o’clock. Similar to type 8 except that the privy mark on the reverse is now at the end of the legend. Two recorded pm’s – martlet and millrind. All have six harp strings. Die axis unrotated. Nothing between sceptre handles. Illustrated E.115b/P.276. pm=martlet. c.1625-c.31. (R) vf/nef

Legends start at 7.00 o’clock. Another similar type to 8, (however some pieces have only 8 jewels) but now the privy mark is on both sides – at the end of the legends. The only privy mark used is a crescent. Normally 6 harp strings, though one exceptionally rare issue has 7. Die axis rotated. […]

Legends start at 7.00 o’clock. Similar to 10a with a privy mark both sides – but the mark (a goutte) is upside down in relation to the letters. Die axis rotated. 6 harp strings. No pellet between handles. Illustrated E.118/P.279. c.1625-c.1631. (R) nvf

Legends start at 7.00 o’clock. The 6-stringed scroll fronted harp now replaces the eagles head type. Apostrophe stop punctuation now used. New crowns with 6 jewels introduced. Privy mark double rose at the beginning of the obv, legend, and at the end of the reverse. Die axis unrotated. Two versions known – one with a […]